Modifications

• Have special seating for those who cannot hear as well
• Reduce unnecessary noises
• Use visual supplements
• Modify reading assignments
• Provide supplemental materials to reinforce concepts
• Provide captions or scripts of announcements

 http://successforkidswithhearingloss.com/relationship-hl-listen-learn/accommodations/

 http://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/files/2014/05/shutterstock_48282802.jpg

Anatomy of the Ear and Hearing Loss Video

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AejKSDozgg

Educational Challenges for Students with Hearing Impairments

Communication is difficult for students with hearing impairments. They may struggle with:

• the subjects of grammar, spelling, and vocabulary
• taking notes while listening to lectures
• participating in classroom discussions
• watching educational videos
• presenting oral reports 

http://www.specialeducationguide.com/disability-profiles/hearing-impairments/ 

Types of Hearing Loss

There are four types of hearing loss:

• Conductive hearing loss: This type is caused by diseases or obstructions to the outer or middle ear. This type of hearing loss usually affects all frequencies of hearing evenly and does not result in severe loss. People with conductive hearing loss can be treated with a hearing aid or can be helped medically or surgically.
• Sensorineural hearing loss: This type is a result from damage to the delicate sensory hair cells of the inner ear or the nerves that supply it. This type of hearing loss can range from mild to profound. It often affects the person's ability to hear certain frequencies more than others. A person with sensorineural hearing loss may perceive distorted sounds, sometimes making the use of hearing aid impossible.
• Mixed hearing loss: This type of hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural loss which means that there is a problem in both the outer or middle and the inner ear.
• Central hearing loss: This type of hearing loss is a result from damage or impairment to the nerves or nuclei of the central nervous system, either in the pathways to the brain or in the brain itself.

http://www.parentcenterhub.org/repository/hearingloss/

www.doe.in.gov/sites/default/files/specialed/kids.png

Indicators

There can be many signs that a person may not be hearing normally. A few of these signs include:

• being unresponsive to sounds or their name on a regular basis
• asking for things to be repeated or often saying "huh?" or "what?"
• their speech is unclear or there is a delay in developing speech 
• has the volume turned up load for certain things
• has difficulty following conversations involving more than two people
• withdraws from social situations because of difficulty hearing
• answers or responds inappropriately in conversations
• thinks that people sound muffled
• has difficulty hearing in noisy or crowded areas
• hears ringing sounds

http://www.parentcenterhub.org/repository/hearingloss/

Adaptations and Accommodations

• Smile and maintain eye contact while talking to someone who is hearing impaired. If a sign language interpreter is there, talk directly to the person with the impairment, not the interpreter.
• Use complete sentences, especially when talking to children. Good language development is dependent on the correct usage of verbs, adjectives, adverb, nouns, etc. 
• Speak slowly and clearly, but do not exaggerate. Be expressive.
• If a word is not understood, try another word.
• Only use sign language if you are qualified.
• Do not shout. Hearing aids make sounds louder, but they do not clarify the understanding of the sound. 
• If all else fails, use pencil and paper to communicate. 
• During group work, try to seat the person with a hearing impairment so they can see others in the group. 
• Watch the individual with the hearing impairment for facial expressions and body language that will help determine the success of communication. 
• If there is trouble understanding the speech of a person who is deaf, don't hesitate to ask them to repeat what they said. Willingness and desire to communicate is what is most important, not the your ability to understand.

http://ada.ky.gov/hearing_imp_def.htm

Official Definition

The Individuals with Disabilities Act defines hearing impairment as "an impairment in hearing, whether permanent of fluctuating, that adversely affects a child's educational performance but is not included under the definition of deafness".

http://www.specialeducationguide.com/disability-profiles/hearing-impairments/